NDPC, Civil Society Organisations Partner to Advance Data Privacy and Digital Rights in Nigeria

In a move that underscores Nigeria’s growing commitment to data protection and digital rights, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, recently received representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by Esosa Oviawe, Programme Manager at Global Rights, on a courtesy visit to the Commission.

The visit focused on strengthening collaboration between the NDPC and civil society groups to promote public awareness, training, and grassroots engagement in advancing data privacy and digital rights across Nigeria.

Building Partnerships for a Stronger Data Protection Ecosystem

During the meeting, Mr. Esosa Oviawe commended the NDPC for its proactive leadership in building a robust data protection and privacy ecosystem following the passage of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023.

He emphasized that continuous engagement between the NDPC and CSOs is vital for:

• Enhancing public credibility and transparency.
• Fostering rights-based dialogue on privacy and digital freedom.
• Creating an inclusive environment for sustainable data protection initiatives.

Oviawe noted that civil society groups have been closely following the Commission’s reforms and are eager to collaborate on training programmes, citizen sensitization, and policy awareness to deepen understanding of data protection rights.

NDPC’s Commitment to Collaboration and Grassroots Awareness

In his remarks, Dr. Vincent Olatunji expressed appreciation to the delegation for their visit and recognition of the Commission’s work. He reaffirmed NDPC’s commitment to partnership, inclusivity, and human capital development, which are key pillars under the NDPC Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan.

Dr. Olatunji highlighted the critical role of CSOs as community connectors, capable of bridging the gap between national data protection frameworks and everyday citizens.

“Civil society organisations are vital partners in driving the message of privacy and data protection to every community in Nigeria,” he said.

The NDPC boss also disclosed that the Commission has translated the Nigeria Data Protection Act into Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, promoting linguistic inclusivity and ensuring that citizens across all regions can understand and exercise their data rights.

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Shared Vision: Promoting Privacy, Trust, and Accountability

Both the NDPC and the CSO delegation discussed further areas for collaboration, including:

• Joint awareness campaigns on digital rights and privacy protection.
• Capacity-building workshops for journalists, youth groups, and public officials.
• Monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess data protection compliance and impact.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from both parties to sustain cooperation in promoting privacy, trust, and accountability within Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.

Expert Insight: Why This Partnership Matters

The collaboration between NDPC and CSOs marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s privacy journey. By working with grassroots organisations, the Commission can:

• Reach underserved and rural populations that may be unaware of their digital rights.
• Encourage multi-stakeholder participation, aligning Nigeria’s privacy standards with international best practices.
• Foster public trust in digital governance, an essential ingredient for digital transformation.

This aligns with global data protection principles seen in regions such as the EU (GDPR) and the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection, positioning Nigeria as a continental leader in privacy enforcement and public engagement.

Quotes

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, NDPC CEO:
“Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of language or location, understands their rights to data privacy and the responsibilities that come with it.”

Esosa Oviawe, Programme Manager, Global Rights:
“Civil society groups have a duty to support NDPC’s mission by taking the message of data protection and digital responsibility to the people.”

Conclusion

The meeting between the NDPC and Civil Society Organisations highlights a shared commitment to building a safer, more privacy-conscious digital environment in Nigeria. As the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, continues to take root, partnerships like this one will play a crucial role in ensuring citizens understand, trust, and benefit from the country’s growing digital ecosystem.

Together, the NDPC and CSOs are laying the foundation for a future where data privacy becomes a shared national value — not just a regulatory requirement.